How should we measure the performance of the top builders?

When we discuss how top builders perform, it's not merely about their financial muscle or the volume of their business. There is a lot more that should be considered, especially how these companies impact the communities they build in and whether they prioritise doing the right thing.

Consider how looking at a builder's annual turnover might impress at first glance - it tells you they're a big player. Does the number reveal whether they’ve cut corners with unsafe materials or genuinely commit to quality and safety? It doesn't.

Then there's the matter of dividends. Sure, it's great for shareholders when a company is profitable enough to pay dividends. This figure doesn't speak about the quality of the homes it builds or to how well the company treats its workers.

And what about those CEO salaries? High pay might indicate success, at the same time it might also point to a skewed distribution of wealth within the company. This figure doesn’t scratch the surface of a company’s ethical standards or operational achievements.

What really matters, and what we should be talking about, is how safe and reliable the homes these builders construct are. Safety isn't just another box to tick. It should be fundamental, as a home is a sanctuary, a place where safety should be a given, not a luxury.

Regrettably, many investigations into building defects conclude that cheaper and less safe materials are often to blame. This brings us to a critical ethical question: should investors be funnelling their money into companies that prioritise profits over the well-being of the people living in their buildings?

This will be a key focus of our discussion in today's podcast at 3 PM, titled CLADDING MATTERS: Has anything changed since Grenfell: Can we trust anyone? We'll explore issues with several esteemed experts who bring a rich mix of professional insights and personal experiences to the table.

Stephen Day Day, a senior developer, and founder, who also finds himself an entrapped resident at Royal Artillery Keys, offers a unique blend of professional insight coupled with personal experience. Silas J. Lees , CEO of WiggyWam and author of "Homebuyers Secrets," who often discusses how estate agents can succeed by adopting new strategies, will feed us ideas on why educating homebuyers is crucial. Wendy Gibson , who runs the FirstTimeBuyersClub.uk , will share her extensive knowledge of the home buying process, offering valuable advice to newcomers to the housing market.

Michelle Carr , a director at Construction Alchemy Management Consultancy and known as a Guardian Angel in Construction, will share her insights on ethical construction practices and the importance of maintaining high standards in building.

Our chairman, Gareth Wax , of Many Purple Hats Ltd , who is known for his concern for the continued good health of others, will guide our discussion to ensure it covers all bases, from corporate responsibility to personal stories of dealing with unsafe living conditions.

Join us live to contribute to the conversation or catch up later when you have time. Your thoughts and questions can help drive home the importance of integrity in building practices.